Removing pine pitch

[Richard320]

I just got back from an 800 mile camping trip. Better than 20 mpg despite going up and down the Sierras. But that's a different topic. This one is pitch. My truck got covered with drops of it. I cleaned the windshield and the tent with charcoal fluid on a paper towel. Wondering if there's anything better for the paint. Any reason not to use volatile petrochemicals? Any particular product at the parts store works better?

 

[Patsy1099]

My experience has been anything that is going to remove it is going to contain some nasties; acetone, etc. Have to make sure to wash it off well afterwards. Be curious if there is something better as well.

 

[Edwards]

I just got back from an 800 mile camping trip. Better than 20 mpg despite going up and down the Sierras. But that's a different topic. This one is pitch. My truck got covered with drops of it. I cleaned the windshield and the tent with charcoal fluid on a paper towel. Wondering of there's anything better for the paint. Any reason not to use volatile petrochemicals? Any particular product at the parts store works better?

I've always used kerosene as I've heard it won't damage the paint. Then just re-wax that spot and you're good to go.

 

[Dr. Jim]

You could try PPG Acryli-Clean DX330/SX330 wax and grease remover. It is available at auto stores that sell PPG paint products. You also could try WD-40.

 

[Ranger482]

I've had good luck with bug and tar remover. I would start with that, probably less harmful to the paint than some other options. I few companies make it, Mothers, Turtle wax, etc.

 

[Richard320]

I could hardly see the pitch spots this morning due to some light overnight rain and the accumulated dust, so I had to rinse the thing first just to find them.

Apparently, the dealer-installed paint sealant actually works! I always figured it was just an add-on profit center like the alarm.

I had to hit only maybe half a dozen spots with lighter fluid. Everything else, even the splattered insects, just washed off with a sponge and some Rain-x car wash.

And I must say, I am SO glad I got the rubber all-weather mats installed before this trip. The carpet would otherwise be full of pine needles, pine pitch, and dirt.

 

[MJP]

I just got back from an 800 mile camping trip. Better than 20 mpg despite going up and down the Sierras. But that's a different topic. This one is pitch. My truck got covered with drops of it. I cleaned the windshield and the tent with charcoal fluid on a paper towel. Wondering of there's anything better for the paint. Any reason not to use volatile petrochemicals? Any particular product at the parts store works better?

Bug and tar remover should do the trick.

 

[Pkrash]

I always use WD-40 for tar, sap/pitch, bugs.
Doesn't harm paint.

 

[Glenn54]

Normally Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover works well for things like this. I had some kind of spots on my grill that would not come off when I washed it tonight. I ended up using the Turtle Wax Bug and Tar Remover along with my finger nail to get about 10 spots of something off. Might have been blood but not sure.